A Follow-Up Study of Beliefs Held by Parents of Children With Pervasive Developmental Delay

PROBLEM: Little is known about the effects of parental beliefs on children with disorders such as pervasive developmental delay (PDD). METHODS: A six-question, semistructured, videotaped interview was used to gather preliminary descriptive data from 44 caregivers regarding beliefs about their PDD children (ages 3-15 years). Children and caregivers were selected by purposive sampling from a preadmission waiting list for a child psychiatric inpatient unit. FINDINGS: While responses varied, most caregivers shared concerns about delayed child development, appropriateness of school placement, and future planning. In addition, some indicated they possess inaccurate beliefs regarding the intention of child behavior as well as the PDD diagnosis. All indicated a need for direction in how to effectively help the children. CONCLUSIONS: Parental responses to the interview questions support the author's clinical observations regarding the need for nurse-conducted parent training programs. Parent training should focus on correcting inaccurate parental beliefs and teaching effective ways to promote child development and manage maladaptive behaviors.